Congratulatory Message of the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan to Archbishop Sebastian on the Occasion of His Name Day

April 19, 2026 – the day of commemoration of Venerable Sebastian of Karaganda – the heavenly patron of Kazakhstan. The name day of Archbishop Sebastian of Karaganda and Shakhtinsk.

Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan sent a congratulatory address to His Eminence, which reads:

Your Eminence, dear Vladyka!

Christ is Risen!

I cordially congratulate you on the great feast – the Bright Pascha of the Lord! Please also accept my sincere congratulations on the day of your name day! On this special day for you, I prayerfully wish you health, many years of life, well-being, and God’s help in your labors – in “shepherding the Church of the Lord and God, which He purchased with His own Blood” (Acts 20:28).

May the example of your heavenly patron, Venerable Sebastian of Karaganda, inspire you in your labors for the building up of church life and care for your flock. May the All-Merciful Lord, through the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos and the supplications of the new martyrs and confessors of Kazakhstan, grant you His all-strengthening help in your further archpastoral ministry for the good of the Holy Church and preserve you for many and blessed years.

Truly He is Risen!